If you enjoyed the eerie and unsettling atmosphere of 'Habit' (2021), you're in for a treat. This article explores 10 similar movies and shows that deliver the same blend of psychological tension, dark themes, and gripping storytelling. Whether you're a fan of horror, thrillers, or character-driven dramas, these recommendations will keep you on the edge of your seat.

The Others (2001)
Description: A gothic horror story that relies on atmosphere and psychological tension rather than jump scares, with themes of isolation and denial.
Fact: The entire film was shot in sequence, which is extremely rare for feature films. Nicole Kidman's character was written specifically for her after the director saw her in another film.


The Descent (2005)
Description: Explores psychological breakdown and trauma through extreme physical confinement and survival horror, with strong female leads.
Fact: The cave scenes were filmed in actual underground locations, with actors often experiencing real claustrophobia. The original UK ending was much darker than the US release version.


The Orphanage (2007)
Description: A haunting tale of maternal grief and childhood trauma, blending ghost story elements with deep emotional resonance.
Fact: The film's director originally wanted to make a documentary about Spanish orphanages before developing this fictional story. The child actors weren't shown the scary scenes during filming to preserve their natural reactions.


The Conjuring (2013)
Description: Combines supernatural horror with family drama, focusing on how paranormal events affect domestic relationships and mental health.
Fact: The film is based on real case files from paranormal investigators Ed and Lorraine Warren. The clapboard used in the film was the same one from the original Amityville Horror house.


Sinister (2012)
Description: Examines the psychological toll of obsession and the blurred lines between reality and supernatural horror, with found footage elements.
Fact: The creepy home videos featured in the film were inspired by real snuff films from the 1970s. The film's score was created using sounds made by insects and animals to enhance its unsettling nature.


The Babadook (2014)
Description: Explores psychological horror through the lens of grief and maternal struggle, blending supernatural elements with deep emotional trauma.
Fact: The Babadook was initially rejected by several film festivals before gaining critical acclaim and becoming a cult classic. The creature's design was inspired by early 20th-century German expressionist films.


The Autopsy of Jane Doe (2016)
Description: Uses a confined setting and forensic investigation to unravel a supernatural mystery, creating claustrophobic tension and psychological horror.
Fact: The autopsy scenes were so realistic that they made some crew members faint during filming. The entire movie takes place over the course of one night in a single location.


A Dark Song (2016)
Description: Focuses on occult rituals and personal grief, blending psychological horror with esoteric practices in an isolated setting.
Fact: The magical rituals depicted are based on actual occult practices from ancient grimoires. The entire film was shot in sequence over just 22 days in a single house.


Hereditary (2018)
Description: Delves into family trauma and inherited mental illness, using slow-burning tension and disturbing imagery to create an unsettling atmosphere.
Fact: The miniature house sets were built by the director's father, who is a professional architect. The film's most shocking scene was shot in one take to preserve its raw intensity.


Relic (2020)
Description: Uses dementia and family trauma as metaphors for supernatural horror, creating a deeply unsettling exploration of mental deterioration.
Fact: The production design team studied real cases of hoarding disorder to create the cluttered house setting. The film's director is the granddaughter of a famous Australian painter who influenced the visual style.
